As the winter chill hits the air, and the daylight cuts out so much earlier, it’s easy to put your fitness regime on the backburner. But there’s no need to let the cold weather ruin your desire to stay fit. With a few winter exercise strategies, you’ll be able to stay on cue for your fitness goals and, when everyone else is desperately trying to get on top of their New Year resolutions, you’ll be breezing along, ahead of the game.
Here are some easy fitness strategies designed to help get you over the cold and dark, so you can happily continue your exercise during winter months.
Sign up to a challenge
There’s nothing like signing up to a fundraising challenge to get you motivated. Whether it’s a mini marathon, a bike ride or a charity abseil, working towards a worthwhile goal can really help to structure your winter exercise routine. There are so many events across the UK, many of them free, so there’s sure to be something that’s up your street. And it’s all for a good cause, too.
Get social
If you’re wondering how to stay fit in winter, think company. Linking up with a fitness partner, or getting involved with a local group, can really help with motivation. Research suggests that meeting up with friends to exercise will make you less likely to pull out. Groups like Parkrun, which organises free 5K timed runs in over 500 locations worldwide, are the ideal way to meet people in your local area, whilst keeping your fitness goals on track.
Keep warm
If you’re comfortable when you’re exercising, you’ll be more likely to stick at it. And during the winter, that means having the right kit and clothing. Hats, gloves and base layers are essential if your winter exercise is outdoors based. Also, be sure to pay attention to visibility if you’re exercising in the dark. If you’re working out indoors, be sure to wrap up warm whilst travelling to and from your venue. Even if you’re feeling hot after a workout, it’s vital you don’t expose yourself to the cold.
Add variety
A varied fitness regime is an enjoyable fitness regime. If you keep on doing the same thing over and over, you’ll soon tire of it. Research reveals that people who repeat the same exercises three times a week are more likely to give up than those who vary their workouts. Those with diverse routines were also found to enjoy themselves 20 per cent more. So change up your winter exercise plan, and you’ll find yourself staying motivated for longer.
Keep track
When you exercise during winter months, something that can really spur you on is keeping track of your progress. Fitness tracker apps allow you to set goals and keep on top of how you’re doing. Checking in to see your cardio or fat burning performance, your daily step count or weekly mileage is a great incentive.
Find yourself a friendly, inspirational gym
Gyms are not for everyone, but they can be a useful way to get some winter exercise in without having to brave the cold or motivate yourself at home. What you need to look for is a gym that’s more like a family community. One that you look forward to going to, where you have fun and can enjoy a variety of classes, as well as traditional gym sessions.
At Rathbone Square in the heart of London’s West End, Digme Fitness is THE place to be when you’re thinking about how to stay fit in winter. So much more than just a gym, family-run Digme is thought of as a friendly community.
Extending a warm welcome to people of all fitness abilities, Digme’s helpful staff are always on hand to help with setting goals and creating a tailored plan to achieve them.
Named after a Hawaiian beach, famed as the start line for the well-known Ironman World Championship which CEO Geoff has twice completed, Digme presents its members with many tempting features. Luxury changing facilities, an enticing smoothie bar and some of the most advanced fitness equipment available in a London gym are all on offer.
Digme is the ideal place to meet new people, get fit and have fun, with classes including spin, HIIT or fusion. There’s also a free run club every Monday.
Reward yourself
Rest and recovery are vital elements in any fitness regime. From a warm bath to a hot tub spa or relaxing massage, treating yourself won’t just help with your physical recovery, but will positively impact your mental health too. And let’s face it, it’s important to have something to look forward to on drab winter days.
If you’ve just finished your winter exercise stint for the day at Rathbone Square, the perfect next stop off point has to be Joe & the Juice. Here’s where you get to spoil yourself in a healthy way, courtesy of a choice of enticing superfood combination bowls, and ultra-refreshing iced drinks.
Sample a restorative post-workout Herb Tonic – one of their signature shakes, fortified with antioxidant turmeric, ginger, pineapple and red bell pepper, or an energising green vegan bowl packed with white cabbage, pumpkin seeds, pickled red onion, spinach, lemon, edamame, avocado, cranberry, broccoli, kale and pesto. What a treat! And well deserved after all that hard work you’ve been putting in to your winter exercise regime.
Keen to exercise during winter months? Find your motivation at Rathbone Square.
Rathbone Square is a retail and leisure haven hidden away just off Oxford Street in the heart of the West End of London. If you’re looking for a centrally located gym, and a place to indulge and treat yourself after your winter workout, it really is the ideal place. If you are thinking about how to stay fit in winter, look to Rathbone Square!
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